Nestled halfway between Boston and Providence, the town of Mansfield, Massachusetts, is a thriving community of around 24,000 residents. Located in Bristol County, this charming town boasts a lively downtown area, historic sites, outdoor recreational spots, and the renowned Xfinity Center. Let’s explore what makes Mansfield an appealing destination for both residents and visitors alike.
Mansfield Center
At the heart of the town lies Mansfield Center, the bustling commercial district that stretches along North Main Street. This area is the pulse of the community, lined with an array of local businesses, from quaint boutiques to specialty shops. You’ll find a diverse selection of dining options, including pub fare, Chinese and Italian cuisine, breakfast diners, bagel shops, and several pizzerias.
Interspersed among these eateries are unique retail stores, such as a florist, a gift shop, sports merchandise outlets, homeware stores, and various service-based businesses like barbershops and dog grooming salons. Mansfield Center is not just a place for shopping and dining; it’s also a cultural hub, with Fulton Pond at the southern end offering a scenic spot that hosts the annual Fall Festival.
Xfinity Center (Great Woods)
A major draw for music enthusiasts, the Xfinity Center, originally known as the Great Woods Center for the Performing Arts, is one of the top-grossing amphitheaters in the United States. Since its opening in 1986 with a performance by Yo-Yo Ma, the venue has hosted a plethora of legendary artists, including The Who, Aerosmith, Depeche Mode, The Eagles, Pearl Jam, James Taylor, Rush, and Jimmy Buffett, who has performed there more than 60 times.
The Xfinity Center can accommodate nearly 20,000 spectators, with a mix of general admission, reserved, and indoor seats. It’s a summer hotspot for those seeking to enjoy live music in a spectacular outdoor setting.
World War II Veterans Memorial Trail
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the World War II Veterans Memorial Trail provides a peaceful escape. This 1.6-mile rail trail, located on the former path of the Old Colony Railroad, runs between Mansfield Municipal Airport and Mansfield Center. The trail offers a serene environment for walking or biking, with most of the route enveloped by dense woods, far from the hustle and bustle of traffic.
An additional loop, the World War II Memorial Nature Trail, offers a mile-long journey through lush woodlands, making it a perfect detour for nature lovers.
Flint Farm
Flint Farm, a family-owned establishment dating back to 1868, opens its doors to the public from early to late fall. This working farm, managed by the fifth and sixth generations of the Flint family, offers a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with homemade and locally sourced products such as maple syrup and raw honey.
A highlight for many visitors is the wide selection of ice cream, featuring over 50 flavors from Richardson’s Ice Cream in Middleton, MA. Fall visitors can also enjoy navigating the giant corn maze, a popular attraction running from mid-September through October.
Great Woods Conservation Area
The Great Woods Conservation Area is Mansfield’s largest expanse of protected land, managed by the town’s Conservation Commission. This area offers a vast network of trails through diverse landscapes, including reclaimed pastures, ponds, streams, and wetlands. Boardwalks traverse the swampy areas, and the trails reveal hidden historical treasures like an old cemetery and remnants of stone walls from centuries-old farms.
Fisher-Richardson House
A testament to Mansfield’s rich history, the Fisher-Richardson House, dating back to the 1740s, stands as the town’s oldest building. This historic house, which now operates as a museum, showcases Colonial-era architecture with features such as feather-edged paneling, early gun-stock posts, and intricate ceiling decorations. Visitors can explore the house during the summer months to gain insight into Mansfield’s past and view artifacts curated by the Mansfield Historical Society.
Mansfield Crossing
For a more modern shopping experience, Mansfield Crossing offers a mix of retail and dining options. This outdoor mall, located south of Mansfield Center and adjacent to Woodside Pond, is designed to resemble a quaint New England village. The west side of the complex features popular retail stores like LOFT, L.L. Bean, and Yankee Candle, while the east side includes larger stores like Best Buy and Kohl’s. Dining choices abound, with restaurants such as Bertucci’s, TGI Friday’s, and QDOBA.
Fulton Pond (Rumford Ave Park)
Fulton Pond, a scenic park just west of Main Street, has a rich industrial history, dating back to the 1830s when the Rumford River was dammed to power a cotton mill. Over the years, it hosted various industries, including knife-making and ice-making. Today, the park is a peaceful spot, perfect for a leisurely stroll along the trail that skirts the pond’s southern edge, shaded by mature trees.
Fall Festival
Every first Saturday in October, Mansfield celebrates the arrival of autumn with its annual Fall Festival at Fulton Pond. This family-friendly event features live performances on the Big Stage, a beer garden, a food court, paddle boat rides, a ferris wheel, and art activities like yarn bombing and landscape painting sessions. Children can enjoy pony rides, petting alpacas, and even meeting a “unicorn,” along with a host of crafts and activities.
Mansfield Common (South Common)
Mansfield Common, located near the northern trailhead of the World War II Veterans Memorial Trail, serves as the historic civic center of the town. The common is surrounded by significant landmarks, including the Congregational Church, the old town hall, and the Old Town Cemetery, with graves predating Mansfield’s incorporation in 1775. In the summer months, the bandstand becomes the venue for the town’s summer concert series, offering free entertainment to residents and visitors.
Mansfield, Massachusetts, may be a small town, but it offers a wealth of attractions that appeal to a wide range of interests. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, historical insights, shopping, dining, or live music, Mansfield has something to offer.
FAQs:
What is the population of Mansfield, MA?
Mansfield is home to approximately 24,000 residents.
When does the Xfinity Center operate?
The Xfinity Center typically hosts concerts and events during the summer months.
What are some popular attractions in Mansfield Center?
Mansfield Center offers a variety of local eateries, boutiques, and service businesses along North Main Street, as well as scenic spots like Fulton Pond.